| Protective Mechanisms of Nitrone Antioxidants in Kanic Acid Induced Neurodegeneration |
31 AUG 2005 |
121 pages |
| Authors:
Guoying Bing; KENTUCKY UNIV LEXINGTON
|
 | Our proposed research is focused on developing nitrone-based antioxidants as antidotes against chemical agents that induced excitatory neurotoxicity. We proposed to use kainic acid, an analog of the excitatory amino acid glutamate, to induce chronic neurological damage in adult rats. Exposure of rats to kainic acid (KA), a non-NMDA type glutamate receptor agonist, induces recurrent (delayed) convulsive seizures and hippocampal neurodegeneration reminiscent of human epilepsy. In this study, the effects ... |
|
| Bioscavengers as a Pretreatment for Nerve Agent Exposure |
17 AUG 2005 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
David E. Lenz; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF CHEMICAL DEFENSE ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
|
| The use a bioscavenger has emerged as a new approach to reduce the in vivo toxicity of chemical warfare nerve agents. As an improvement of over current treatment, a biological scavenger should have no or minimal behavioral or physiological side effects, should provide protection up to a 5 LD50 exposure and should be devoid of any behavioral or physiological side effects. Studies with equine or human butyrylcholinesterase or fetal bovine ... |
|
| Development of Medical Countermeasures to Sulfur Mustard Vesication |
17 AUG 2005 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
William J. Smith; Michael C. Babin; Robyn C. Kiser; Robert P. Casillas; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF CHEMICAL DEFENSE ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
|
| Sulfur mustard (HD) is an alkylating agent with cytotoxic, mutagenic and vesicating properties. It use on the battlefield results in debilitating injuries to skin, eyes and the respiratory system (1, 2). To elucidate the toxic sequelae that follow cutaneous exposure to HD, the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) has undertaken a broad-based research program encompassing both intramural and extramural research. This report summarizes our current ... |
|
| Examination pf Potential Anti-Tumor Activity of N-Thiolated B-Lactam Antibiotics in Nude Mice Bearing Human Breast Tumors |
01 AUG 2005 |
85 pages |
| Authors:
Q. P. Dou; WAYNE STATE UNIV DETROIT MI
|
| Activation of the cellular apoptotic program is a current strategy for the prevention and treatment of human cancer including breast cancer. Because of the ease of synthesis and structural manipulation, small molecules with apoptosis-inducing ability have great potential to be developed into chemotherapeutic drugs. The beta-lactam antibiotics have for the past 60 years played an essential role in treating bacterial infections without causing toxic side effects in the host. We ... |
|
| Characterization of Botulinum Progenitor Toxins by Mass Spectrometry |
AUG 2005 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
Harry B. Hines; Frank Lebeda; Martha Hale; Ernst E. Brueggemann; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD DIV OF TOXINOLOGY AND AEROBIOLOGY
|
| Botulinum toxin analysis has renewed importance. This study included the use of nanochromatography-nanoelectrospray-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry to characterize the protein composition of botulinum progenitor toxins and to assign botulinum progenitor toxins to their proper serotype and strain by using currently available sequence information. Clostridium botulinum progenitor toxins from strains Hall, Okra, Stockholm, MDPH, Alaska, Langeland, and 89 representing serotypes A through G, respectively, were reduced, alkylated, digested with trypsin, and identified ... |
|
| A System for Discovering Bioengineering Threats by Knowledge Base Driven Mining of Toxin Data |
AUG 2005 |
33 pages |
| Authors:
Subramanyam Swaminathan; I. V. Ramakrishnan; M. Kifer; H. Davulcu; BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LAB UPTON NY
|
| The overall goal of this project is to establish a Toxin Knowledge Base (TKB) a bioinformatics resource primarily focused on molecular information about toxins and other virulence factors that are the natural products of biological and potential biological warfare (RW and PBW) agents. The resource will be mined to assimilate synthesize, analyze and disseminate genomic and structural information on BW and PBW genes and their products. The TKB will be ... |
|
| Creation of Polyvalent Decoys of Protein Cytotoxins as Therapeutics and Vaccines |
AUG 2005 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Vijay S. Reddy; SCRIPPS RESEARCH INST LA JOLLA CA
|
| Polyvalent protein shells (capsids) are useful platforms for the display of molecules of interest (MOI) on their surface. The resulting polyvalent reagents act as efficacious prophylactic vaccines and therapeutics. The coat protein subunits of Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus (TBSV) and structurally similar Norwalk viruses, when expressed in insect cells, spontaneously self assemble to form protein shells. The self-assembly of the coat protein mutants of TBSV resulted in two types of ... |
|
| Kainate Receptors in the Striatum: Implications for Excitotoxicity in Huntington's Disease |
AUG 2005 |
145 pages |
| Authors:
Yoland Smith; EMORY UNIV ATLANTA GA
|
| The goal of the work presented in this report was to understand the localization and functior of kainate receptors (KARs) in the basal ganglia, a group of brain structures affected in Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases. KARs are part of a family called ionotropic glutamate receptors. Using specific antibodies and glutamate-related compounds, we have achieved successfully a series of studies of the localization and function of these receptors in the striatum ... |
|
| The Effects of Repeated Low-Dose Sarin Exposure |
AUG 2005 |
38 pages |
| Authors:
Tsung-Ming Shih; Stanely W. Hulet; John H. McDonough; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF CHEMICAL DEFENSE ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
|
| This project assessed the effects of repeated low-dose exposure of guinea pigs to the organophosphorus nerve agent sarin. Animals were injected once a day, 5 days per week (Monday-Friday), for 2 weeks with fractions (0.3 x, 0.4 x, 0.5 x or 0.6 x) of the established LD50 dose of sarin (42 micrograms/kg, s.c.). Animals were assessed for changes in body weight, red blood cell (RBC) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels, neurobehavioral reactions ... |
|
| The Effects of Repeated Sub-Toxic Sarin Exposure on Behavior, EEG and Blood and Brain AChE Activity |
AUG 2005 |
25 pages |
| Authors:
Melinda R. Roberson; Michelle B. Schmidt; Mary D. Gonzales; Kathleen M. McAvoy; Cerissa P. Francisco; Mark A. Reynolds; John H. McDonough; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF CHEMICAL DEFENSE ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
|
| Guinea pigs were exposed 5 days/week/two weeks to saline or one of two sarin doses (0.2 or 0.4 x LD50). Animals were assessed for signs of toxicity, changes in body weight and temperature, EEG activity, behavioral and biochemical parameters during exposure (E1-10) and up to 100 days post-exposure (P100). Red blood cell AChE was depressed 60% and 80% respectively in the 0.2 and 0.4 x LD50 groups following E10, returning ... |
|
| The Role of DARPP-32, an Intracellular Signaling Molecule, in the Actions of the Nerve Agent Sarin |
AUG 2005 |
25 pages |
| Authors:
Tsung-Ming Shih; Gretchen L. Snyder; Allen A. Fienberg; Stacey Galdi; Minal Rana; Alberta Alickaj; Joseph P. Hendrick; John H. McDonough; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF CHEMICAL DEFENSE ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
|
| We investigated the role of DARPP-32 in mediating changes in phosphorylation after sarin exposure. Wild type mice and mice bearing a targeted disruption of the gene for DARPP-32 were exposed to sarin; levels of brain phosphoproteins were measured. Mice receiving 1.0 x LD50 dose of sarin displayed motor convulsions. No significant change in phosphorylation level of T75 DARPP-32 was observed in brains of wild type mice. Also, no significant changes ... |
|
| Structural Studies on Toxins and Virulence Factors of Yersinia Pestis |
01 JUL 2005 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Subramanyam Swaminathan; BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LAB UPTON NY
|
| In this second annual report, we present our progress on two different areas, protein production and crystallization. We are working on expression and purification of Yop proteins and their complexes. We have made progress in purifying YopB; SycD complex. We are also purifying Yop B, D and E complex to understand the translocation machinery. |
|
| U.S. Postal Service: Guidance on Suspicious Mail Needs Further Refinement |
JUL 2005 |
66 pages |
| Authors:
GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON DC
|
| In fall 2001, five persons died from inhalation anthrax contracted from contaminated letters delivered through the U.S. mail system.1 After the anthrax attacks, the frequency of incidents involving suspicious packages or powder spills increased dramatically, due partly to anthrax hoaxes as well as concerns over leakages from mail that had previously been handled routinely. Since October 2001, over 16,000 such incidents have occurred at postal facilities. These incidents have posed ... |
|
| The Role of AHR in Breast Cancer Development |
JUL 2005 |
20 pages |
| Authors:
Xinhai Yang; BOSTON UNIV MA
|
| The study described herein was designed to determine if and how a non-toxic, naturally occurring bioflavonoid, galangin, affects growth of human mammary tumor cells. Our previous studies demonstrated that, in other cell types, galangin is a potent inhibitor of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), an environmental carcinogen- responsive transcription factor implicated in mammary tumor initiation and growth control. Our results indicated that breast cancer Hs578T cells expressed high levels of ... |
|
| Randomized, Controlled Trial of Combination Treatment With Pyridostigmine, DEET, and Teremethrin |
JUL 2005 |
59 pages |
| Authors:
Michael J. Roy; HENRY M JACKSON FOUNDATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF MILITARY MEDICINE ROCKVILLE MD
|
| The U.S. military uses the insect repellents DEET and permethrin. If enemy nerve agent use is threatened, pyridostigmine bromide (PB) is also used, to reversibly inhibit 20-40% of neuromuscular junction acetyleholinesterase (AChE), preventing irreversible binding by nerve agents. Animal and human studies had demonstrated safe independent use of PB, DEET, and permethrin. However, some blamed the combination for a variety of ill-defined symptoms reported by some Gulf War veterans. One ... |
|
| Preventing the Consequences of Alcohol Abuse: Identification of Soldiers at High Risk for Fatal and Serious Injuries |
JUL 2005 |
43 pages |
| Authors:
Nicole S. Bell; SOCIAL SECTORS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES INC BOSTON MA
|
| This report outlines progress made during the third year of the "Preventing the consequences of alcohol abuse: Identification of soldiers at high risk for fatal and serious injuries" research project. The main goal of this study is to improve understanding of the relationship between alcohol problems and risk of serious injury. Specifically, the study seeks to document the prevalence of injury-related diagnoses among soldiers admitted to the hospital with and ... |
|
| The Impact of Exercise on the Vulnerability of Dopamine Neurons to Cell Death in Animal Models of Parkinson's Disease |
JUL 2005 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Michael J. Zigmond; Amanda Smith; PITTSBURGH UNIV PA
|
| Parkinson's disease (PD) results in part from the loss of dopamine (DA) neurons. We hypothesize that exercise reduces the vulnerability of DA neurons to neurotoxin exposure, whereas stress increases vulnerability. We have outlined experiments to test this hypothesis in rats treated with one of several neurotoxins, beginning with 6- hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Over the past year, we increased the size and training of our research team and made a number of ... |
|
| The Role of a Novel Topological Form of the Prion Protein in Prion Disease |
JUL 2005 |
26 pages |
| Authors:
Richard S. Stewart; WASHINGTON UNIV ST LOUIS MO
|
| Most(but not all) cases of prion disease are associated with a conformationally altered form of the prion protein (PrP) known as PrPSc. Several lines of evidence indicate that while PrpSc is the infectious molecule, it may not be the proximate cause of toxicity in prion disease. Several other candidates for such a toxic species have been proposed, including an altered topological form of PrP known as CtmPrP. Lines of transgenic ... |
|
| Antiangiogenic Action of Chemically Modified Tetracyclines in Breast Cancer |
01 JUN 2005 |
126 pages |
| Authors:
Sanford R. Simon; STATE UNIV OF NEW YORK AT STONY BROOK RESEARCH FOUNDATION
|
| The nonantimicrobial Chemically Modified Tetracyclines (CMTs) inhibit invasiveness and metastasis in tumors. This study examined CMTs as inhibitors of the angiogenic response in human breast cancer cell lines, a tumor-infiltrating macrophage model and endothelial cells. CMT 308, a 9-amino derivative of CMT 300 (6-demethyl-6-deoxy-4-dedimethyl-aminotetracycline) reduced basal VEGF secretion from MCF-7 and MDA-MB-453 cells (early breast cancer models) and from MDA-MB-435s and MDA-MB-231 cells (late stage disease models). Sub-cytotoxic doses of ... |
|
| Poppy Seed Consumption or Opiate Use: The Determination of Thebaine and Opiates of Abuse in Postmortem Fluids and Tissues |
JUN 2005 |
15 pages |
| Authors:
Robert D. Johnson; Russell J. Lewis; Rachael A. Hattrup; FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION OKLAHOMA CITY OK CIVIL AEROMEDICAL INST
|
| Opiates are some of the most widely prescribed drugs in America. Some opiate compounds are highly addictive and are often abused. Opiate abuse transcends all social, racial, and economic boundaries. Demonstrating the presence or absence of opiate compounds in postmortem fluids and/or tissues derived from fatal civil aviation accidents can have serious legal consequences and may help determine the cause of impairment and/or death. However, the consumption of poppy seed ... |
|
| Characterization of the Reproductive Toxicity of Depleted Uranium |
JUN 2005 |
155 pages |
| Authors:
Kenneth R. Still; Darryl P. Arfsten; NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER (DET) WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS LAB
|
| The purpose of the proposed work is to determine the reproductive and developmental toxicity of depleted uranium (DU) ore in Sprague-Dawly rats. DU-tipped munitions have become common-place on the modern battlefield and recent experience has shown that minor injuries associated with DU munitions are becoming more common. Four hundred ninety-eight adult (P1) SD rats were implanted with up to 20, 1x2mm DU pellets and mated at 30 and 120 days ... |
|
| Cholinesterase Structure: Identification of Mechanisms and Residues Involved in Organophosphate Inhibition and Enzyme Reactivation |
MAY 2005 |
166 pages |
| Authors:
Palmer W. Taylor; CALIFORNIA UNIV SAN DIEGO LA JOLLA
|
| Studies on the structural of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as a target of organophosphate toxicity continue and have yielded several leads of significance and practical outcomes. First, studies on oxime reactivation reveal the importance of achieving a suitable angle of attack for the oxime within the confines of the active center gorge. Through the use of mutant AChE-oxime combinations, oxime-assisted catalytic turnover of organophosphates can be achieved such that mutant AChE can ... |
|
| Exercise to Counteract Loss of Bone and Muscle During Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Men With Prostate Cancer |
MAY 2005 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Wendy M. Kohrt; L. M. Glode; Robert S. Schwartz; COLORADO UNIV HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER DENVER
|
| The objective is to determine whether a 1-year intensive resistance exercise training (RT) program is more effective than a moderate-intensity walking program in ameliorating the effects on body composition of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). It is postulated that, in men on ADT for the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer: 1) RT will attenuate the declines in bone mineral density (BMD) and fat-free mass (FFM) to a greater extent than ... |
|
| Population Health Trial for Smokeless Tobacco Cessation with Military Personnel |
MAY 2005 |
37 pages |
| Authors:
Herbert H. Severson; OREGON RESEARCH INST EUGENE
|
| While smoking cessation has received considerable attention within the military, the use of smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco and snuff) has not been a focus of medical services or research. Epidemiological data suggest that while smoking has continued to decline both in the general population and within the military, the use of smokeless tobacco products has increased. The primary objective of this research is to develop and evaluate an intervention for ... |
|
| Interpretation of Carboxyhemoglobin and Cyanide Concentrations in Relation to Aviation Accidents |
MAY 2005 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
Dennis V. Canfield; Arvind K. Chaturvedi; Kurt M. Dubowski; FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION OKLAHOMA CITY OK CIVIL AEROMEDICAL INST
|
| Carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) are combustion products of organic material, but their production depends on material constituents and environmental conditions. Non-nitrogenous organic materials generate CO, whereas nitrogenous organic materials also produce HCN. For fire-involved aviation accidents, it is important to determine if the fire occurred during flight or after the crash and to establish the source(s) of the toxic gases. Therefore, this study was pursued. Bio-specimens from ... |
|
| The Detection of Protective Antigen (PA) Associated with Spores of Bacillus Anthracis and the Effects of Anti-PA Antibodies on Spore Germination and Macrophage Interactions |
22 APR 2005 |
19 pages |
| Authors:
C. K. Cote; C. A. Rossi; A. S. Kang; P. R. Morrow; J. S. Lee; S. L. Welkos; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
|
| The protective antigen (PA) component of the anthrax toxins is an essential virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis and is the major protective immunogen. The kinetics of PA production during growth of B. anthracis, and the roles of anti-PA antibody in host immunity are not clearly defined. Production of PA by the vegetative organisms peaks during the shift from exponential to stationary phase of growth. Recently, PA was also found to ... |
|
| Provisional Reference Dose for the Aromatic Fraction of Jet Fuel: Insight into Complex Mixtures |
APR 2005 |
23 pages |
| Authors:
|
| Previous efforts to define toxicity criteria for human health risk assessment of complex petroleum mixtures use health effects information for only a subset of the chemicals in such mixtures. The Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Criteria Working Group (TPHCWG) developed a practical alternative by defining all petroleum mixtures as thirteen carbon number range fractions based on expected transport characteristics following release to the environment. The TPHCWG developed toxicity criteria for each fraction ... |
|
| Case Series Investigation of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Among Former Kelly Air Force Base Workers |
APR 2005 |
156 pages |
| Authors:
Brooke L. Wackerman; B. L. Cox; K. L. Grayson; Shari L. Shanklin; Wilson W. McGriff; OAK RIDGE INST FOR SCIENCE AND EDUCATION TN
|
| Concerns over a possible cluster of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) among former workers at Kelly Air Force Base - (Kelly AFB) prompted a series of scientific investigations. In an attempt to gain insight into the occupational, environmental and lifestyle exposure histories of persons with ALS (PALS), the ALS Association-South Texas Chapter and the Air Force Institute for Operational Health (AFIOH, formerly the Air Force Institute for Environment, Safety, and Occupational ... |
|
| Evaluation of Novel Agents Which Target Neovasculature of Breast Tumors |
APR 2005 |
169 pages |
| Authors:
Michael Rosenblum; M D ANDERSON CANCER CENTER HOUSTON TX
|
| The unique fusion toxin VEGF(sub 121)/rGel can specifically kill both log-phase and confluent vascular endothelial cells expressing the KDR receptor for vEGF(PNAs 99:7866,2002). We have discovered 22 unique genes consistently upregulated in endothelial cells treated with VEGF(sub 121)/rGel(confirmed by Western and RT-PCR).VEGF(sub 121)/rGel(i.v.) treatment had a dramatic cytotoxic effect in both orthotopic and metastatic human breast tumor models. Against the orthotopic model, tumor growth was significantly delayed by-50%. In addition, ... |
|
| Neurotoxicity From Chronic Exposure to Depleted Utanium |
APR 2005 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Stephen M. Lasley; ILLINOIS UNIV AT CHICAGO
|
| This project is designed to test the hypothesis that chronic exposure to depleted uranium (DU) impairs neuronal processes underlying cognitive function via alterations induced at hippocampal glutamatergic synapses As prescribed by the Statement of Work, efforts in year 3 concerned achievement of substantial progress on Technical Objective 2 (defining 0 integrity of hippocampal glutamate release) and initiating Technical Objective 3 (identifying changes in glutamate receptor subtypes). Acute exposure to U ... |
|
| Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitor Cytotoxicity: Depletion of the Coenzyme-A Pool. Revision |
APR 2005 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
Francis P. Kuhajda; JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV BALTIMORE MD SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
|
| Inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FAS) with C75 in human cancer cells leads to cytotoxicity without evidence of DNA damage. Based on this and other biochemical observations attention was focused on the cytoplasm as the site for the origin of C75 cytotoxicity to human cancer cells. We have shown that eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (EIF2alpha), a key regulator of protein synthesis and the ER stress response is involved in ... |
|
| Lethality Server Performance Validation Analysis for the Virtual Proving Ground Distributed Test Event 4 |
MAR 2005 |
112 pages |
| Authors:
Geoffrey C. Sauerborn; ARMY RESEARCH LAB ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD WEAPONS AND MATERIALS RESEARCH DIRECTORATE
|
| The U.S. Army Research Laboratory's table look-up lethality server is a simulation support tool that resolves damage to vehicles or other entities, based on pre-calculated (look-up) vulnerability tables. The server provides those damage results in a timely manner, allowing simulated entities to represent those damage effects in an appropriate way (e.g., become mobility or fire power killed ). This report presents results from the server's recent participation in the Distributed ... |
|
| Toxic Industrial Chemical Tests of Resistance to Permeation by Protective Suits |
MAR 2005 |
18 pages |
| Authors:
Elizabeth Klemperer; ARMY NATICK SOLDIER CENTER MA
|
| A Natick program to select and test protective materials for soldiers and first responders who face a threat from chemical accidents or terrorist attacks was applied under Congressional legislation of 1996 to assist the state and local first responder community in preparing for a potential chemical or biological attack. Commercial ensembles of three degrees of protection were selected for investigation of chemical resistance afforded by suits currently in use: level ... |
|
| Biosecurity of Select Agents and Toxins |
MAR 2005 |
89 pages |
| Authors:
Thomas E. Engells; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
| The concept of biosecurity as it pertains to Biological Select Agents and Toxins in American biomedical research institutions is explored in some depth. Posing the research question "How can specific public biomedical research universities securely use and store biological select agents?" the thesis outlines the dynamics of the select agent and toxin list, the relevant history of the control of biological agents both in the international and domestic settings, including ... |
|
| Low-Level Effects of VX Vapor Exposure on Pupil Size and Cholinesterase Levels in Rats |
MAR 2005 |
65 pages |
| Authors:
Kathy L. Matson; Charles L. Crouse; Dennis Miller; Ronald A. Evans; Jeffrey M. McGuire; Jill Jarvis; Bernard J. Benton; Douglas R. Sommerville; Jacqueline Scotto; David C. Burnett; EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
|
| The effective concentrations (EC(sub 50)'s,) for miosis in male and female rats exposed to VX vapor for 10, 60, and 240 min were estimated using whole body vapor exposures conducted in a 750 L dynamic airflow inhalation chamber. Miosis was defined as at least a 50% reduction in pupil diameter relative to baseline measurements. Contrary to Haber's Rule, median effective dosages (ECT(sub 50)'s) increased with increasing exposure durations (i.e., the ... |
|
| In Vitro Toxicity of Cadmium Oxide Particles in BRL 3A Rat Liver Cells |
MAR 2005 |
77 pages |
| Authors:
Janice M. Shelley; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
|
| For the last decade or so, in vitro toxicology has been studied as a method for determining human toxicity, as well as hazard identification and characterization. One purpose of in vitro studies is to determine the possibility of developing systems in which the toxicity of chemicals can be quantified, without heavy reliance on animal experimentation. Specific data pertaining to cadmium toxicity in humans through use of in vitro methods and ... |
|
| Perchlorate Contamination of Drinking Water: Regulatory Issues and Legislative Actions |
23 FEB 2005 |
|
| Authors:
Mary Tiemann; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
 | Perchlorate is the main ingredient of solid rocket fuel and has been used mainly by the Department of Defense (DoD), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and related industries. This highly soluble and persistent compound has been disposed of on the ground for decades, and now has been detected in sources of drinking water that serve more than 11 million people. It also has been found in milk and ... |
|
| Evaluation of Lateral-Flow Clostridium botulinum Neurotoxin Detection Kits for Food Analysis |
08 FEB 2005 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
Shashi K. Sharma; Brian S. Eblen; Robert L. Bull; Donald H. Burr; Richard C. Whiting; FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION COLLEGE PARK MD CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY AND APPLIED NUTRITION
|
| The suitability and sensitivity of two in vitro lateral-flow assays for detecting Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) in an assortment of foods were evaluated. Toxin extraction and preparation methods for various liquid, solid, and high-fat-content foods were developed. The lateral-flow assays, one developed by the Naval Medical Research Center (Silver Spring, MD) and the other by Alexeter Technologies (Gaithersburg, MD), are based on the immunodetection of BoNT types A, B, and ... |
|
| Inhibitors of Histone Deacetylases for Radiosensitization of Prostate Cancer |
FEB 2005 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Mira O. Jung; GEORGETOWN UNIV WASHINGTON DC MEDICAL CENTER
|
| Failure of conventional treatment of prostate cancer with radiotherapy may be due to the intrinsic resistance of the tumor cells. One of mechanisms underlying intrinsic radiation sensitivity is linked to the state of chromatin architecture. The long-term goal of this proposal is to develop a novel therapeutic strategy by enhancing radio sensitivity of prostate cancer cells by testing the hypothesis that an increase of cellular radiation sensitivity may be achieved ... |
|
| Neuroimmune Effects of Inhaling Low Dose Sarin |
FEB 2005 |
20 pages |
| Authors:
Mohan L. Sopori; LOVELACE INSTITUTES ALBUQUERQUE NM
|
| The central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system communicate bidirectionally, and cholinergic agents modulate the immune system. Organophosphates, such as the nerve gas sarin, are powerful irreversible inhibitors of ChE, leading to neurotoxicity, seizures, and death. Because of the ease and low cost of production, sarin gas is a tool of mass destruction in the hands of terrorist groups and rogue nations. While people in the immediate vicinity of ... |
|
| Serologic Correlates of Protection against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Diarrhea |
14 JAN 2005 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Malla R. Rao; Thomas F. Wierzba; Stephen J. Savarino; Remon Abu-Elyazeed; Nemat El-Ghoreb; Eric R. Hall; Abdollah Naficy; Ibrahim Abdel-Messih; Jr. Frenck Robert W.; Ann-Mari Svennerholm; NATIONAL INST OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT BETHESDA MD
|
| We conducted a nested case-control study in 397 rural Egyptian children |
|
| Fourth Indo-US Workshop on Mathematical Chemistry Held in Pune, Maharastra, India on 8-12 January 2005 |
12 JAN 2005 |
94 pages |
| Authors:
PUNE UNIV (INDIA)
|
| The workshop covers topics, including but not limited to: Mathematical characterization of molecular structure and chemical similarity. Applications of Mathematical Chemistry in molecular design, drug discovery and approaches in natural product chemistry. Emerging applications of Mathematical Chemistry in Bioinformatics & Proteomics, Proteomics and Genomics. |
|
| Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype F: Identification of Substrate Recognition Requirements and Development of Inhibitors with Low Nanomolar Affinity |
06 JAN 2005 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
James J. Schmidt; R. G. Stafford; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD DIV OF TOXINOLOGY AND AEROBIOLOGY
|
| Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs A-G) are zinc metalloendoproteases that exhibit extraordinary specificities for proteins involved in neurotransmitter release. In view of the extreme toxicities of these molecules, their applications in human medicine, and potential for misuse, it is of considerable importance to elucidate the mechanisms underlying substrate recognition and to develop inhibitors, with the ultimate goal of obtaining anti-botulinum drugs. We synthesized peptides based on vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) to investigate ... |
|
| Inhalation Toxicity of Cogenerated Graphite Flake and Fog Oil Smoke in the Brown-Headed Cowbird and the Red-Winged Blackbird, Size-Specific Inhalation Surrogates for the Red-Cockaged Woodpecker |
JAN 2005 |
74 pages |
| Authors:
|
| The red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) is an endangered species found on many installations where troop readiness training is conducted. Conducting maneuvers under obscurant cover is important for realistic training. Generators that combine fog oil for visual obscuration with graphite flakes for infrared obscuration are being deployed for training scenarios. The effect of this combination on avian species was unknown. Our data indicate that toxicity of inhaled and/or preened graphite flake ... |
|
| Use of Biodescriptors and Chemodescriptors in Predictive Toxicology: A Mathematical/Computational Approach |
2005 |
26 pages |
| Authors:
Subhash C. Basak; MINNESOTA UNIV DULUTH NATURAL RESOURCES RESEARCH INST
|
| This project focuses on a two-pronged approach to modeling toxicity data. A standard structure-based QSAR approach using chemodescriptors (descriptors based on the chemical structure of the toxicant) has been coupled with the development of biodescriptors, a novel set of mathematical descriptors derived from 2-DE proteomic gel analyses. The research group has explored the use of chemodescriptors calculated using high-level chemodescriptors as well as considering potential mechanistic approaches to chemical toxicity, ... |
|
| Dissociation of Hexavalent Chromium from Primer Paint Particles into Simulated Mucus Fluid |
2005 |
107 pages |
| Authors:
Michael P. Moran; Peter T. LaPuma; UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIV OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES BETHESDA MD DEPT OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND BIOMETRICS
|
| The military relies heavily on chromate primer paints to protect equipment from corrosion. Epidemiological studies link chromate exposure to cancer however limited studies suggest exposure to chromate paint particles does not increase the risk of lung cancer. The particle size and paint type may hinder chromate released into lung fluid. To simulate particle deposition in the mucosal layer of the lungs, a viable cascade impactor collected paint particles into porcine-based ... |
|
| Industrial Hazards to Military Personnel |
2005 |
21 pages |
| Authors:
D. P. Bacon; R. M. Garrett; P. L. Liotta; D. E. Mays; T. E. Miller; ARMED FORCES MEDICAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER FORT DETRICK FEDERICK MD
|
| The industrial chemical health threat to the US military is growing. The increasing threat is due both to the more frequent use of industrial chemicals and infrastructure as weapons of war and opportunity, and to recent military operations in urban and industrial environments where accidents or terrorism may cause large-scale chemical releases. Using traditional single-scenario modeling techniques, it is difficult to prospectively portray the complex array of potential chemical hazards ... |
|
| A Model for Prediction of Probability of Developing an Adverse Physiological Symptom in Individuals Percutaneously Exposed to VX Nerve Agent |
2005 |
23 pages |
| Authors:
Eva F. Dickson; E. J. Duncan; Paul D. Fedele; Doug Nelson; ROYAL MILITARY COLL OF CANADA KINGSTON (ONTARIO) DEPT OF CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
|
| A model is developed for the probability of toxic effects resulting from either vapour or liquid acute exposure of the skin to the organophosphonate nerve agent VX (O-ethyl S-2-diisopropylaminoethylmethyl phosphonothiolate), for which considerable relevant human toxicity information is available. This model focuses solely on percutaneous toxicity and incorporates population variability of response and variable permeability of the different regions of the body to the agent. An ECt50 value for nausea ... |
|
| Bio Warfare and Terrorism: Toxins and Other Mid-Spectrum Agents |
2005 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
James M. Madsen; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF CHEMICAL DEFENSE ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
|
| Toxins are toxic chemicals that can be elaborated by a biological organism. The word `toxin' is often loosely used to mean poison but should be reserved for its more restricted definition; toxicant is a better synonym for poison. Several of the less complex toxins can now be synthesized in the laboratory or produced by other organisms following gene insertion, but synthetic toxins identical to their naturally occurring counterparts are still ... |
|
| Genomic Analysis of Murine Pulmonary Tissue Following Carbonyl Chloride Inhalation |
2005 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Alfred M. Sciuto; Christopher S. Phillips; Linda D. Orzolek; Alison I. Hege; Theodore S. Moran; III Dillman James F.; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF CHEMICAL DEFENSE ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
|
| Carbonyl chloride (phosgene) is a toxic industrial compound widely used in industry for the production of synthetic products, such as polyfoam rubber, plastics, and dyes. Exposure to phosgene results in a latent (1-24 h), potentially life-threatening pulmonary edema and irreversible acute lung injury. A genomic approach was utilized to investigate the molecular mechanism of phosgene-induced lung injury. CD-1 male mice were exposed whole body to either air or a concentration ... |
|
Toxicology
